8 tips for building tech leadership skills

Many tech experts want to rise up the corporate ladder, but lack the communication and business skills needed. Here’s how to gain the tools that will help you advance your career.

1. Make the choice:
If you want to be a leader, make a conscious decision to do so: Be proactive and take the initiative instead just falling into the position.

2. Observe your leaders:
Your leaders got where they are for a reason. Study their strong characteristics and learn how they got there, then try to incorporate that into your work style.

3. Talk to your manager:
The best way to make sure you’re on the right path is by talking to your manager. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback and make your aspirations known.

4. Join a professional organization to observe and connect with leaders in your field:
Once again, look to the role models you want to emulate. Connect with them and use that network to your advantage. Who you know is important.

5. Seek feedback from your managers and peers:
You need to know your strengths and challenges. Get a balanced view of both in order to learn where you need to focus on improvement and what skills you can use to your advantage.

6. Avoid the “delegation trap”:
You don’t need to do everything yourself. The more responsibility you get, the more you will need to delegate to others. Don’t feel pressure to do all the work when you may be better off it assigning to others.

7. Don’t define yourself as “apolitical” in the workplace:
You need to be able to influence people; don’t always stand on neutral ground – take a position and be sure to fully understand the situation.

8. Don’t expect any leadership program to be a cure-all:
Leadership programs are intended to give you guidance and a framework for skill building – but they can’t do all the work. Remember that your workplace is also a learning environment as well.